Whether you commute, ride for fun or are motorcycling around the world, it only takes a little sense to realize that if you protect your ride from salt, dust and dirt, tree sap and bird crap, and other elements with a decent cover, it will stand for years to come. Aside from weather exposure, rust build-up and accelerated depreciation, I also warm to the idea that a cover acts as an invisibility cloak, to deflect any unwanted attention from prying eyes. Not to mention thwarting opportunists when leaving my sole mode of transport unattended. In possession of a bike that’s relatively easy to steal, anything that diminishes its conspicuity, I’m in.

The Aerostich Ultralight Bike Cover comes in three sizes and colors to oblige anything from scooters and mid-sized motos to the behemoths of the biking world. Snugly, the small cover shields my DR650 and the medium adequately covers Jason’s F800GS. Billed as “small enough to take on all your road trips,” the wrap isn’t designed as a luxurious means in which to swaddle your baby. It targets those for whom space and weight matter. No interior frame/fabrics are present, but the Ultralight is constructed from a gloriously lightweight 30-denier rip-stop nylon, packing down easily into a handy built-in storage pouch that will stash in the tank bag. It is silicone-urethane coated on top which, coupled with the parachute-strength fabric, makes it resistant to most weather and tearing.

In light showers, droplets are repelled like water off a duck’s back. There are no technical claims that it’s waterproof so don’t expect the same in heavy downpours over long periods. No UV treatment applies, so some fading is to be expected down the road, but the product by its design lends credence to some UV protection and is backed with a two-year warranty.

There’s elastic all the way around the bottom. Aerostich has located a label at the front bottom center on the hem, my starting point. For optimal fitment once it’s over the bike, I pull the elastic draw-cord in the hem tight, secure with its cord-lock, then pull the free end over the saddle and hook it to the shift lever.

Other considerate details include a form-fitting shape, where a tailored fit further inhibits pockets of condensation from forming. Less moisture retention prevents unwanted corrosion developing. Sturdy grommets accommodate the attachment of anti-theft devices to add security and minimize billowing in the wind. The tech-savvy fabric is also non-scratch and, although the outer material is thinner and less puncture resistant than some heavy-duty offerings, it's far from a bare-bones basic offering. Despite its positioning as travel-friendly, thanks to the mindful features present, it’s like having a portable garage for your moto.

To my mind, the Ultralight works well as a highly serviceable cover that will protect your bike through the seasons, and thanks to its stealth attribute, against plunderers as well. Best of all, lightweight doesn’t mean fragile. If durability and weight, fit and function are your criteria, this wrap is the benchmark to which you should compare all other travel-friendly solutions. As a moto-traveler who’s been on the road for years, it’s a must-have addition to the ensemble worth every penny—I wouldn’t be without mine. MSRP: $157 | Sizes: Small, Medium and Large | Colors: Black, White and Grey Aerostich.com

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